Not a CIVET CAT, not even a CAT: The RINGTAIL (Bassariscus astutus), also known as the Ringtail cat, Ring-tailed cat or Miner's cat. My non-traditional maximum card, created with a USPS stamp, a customized "postcard" made from a cut-out from a book, and a postmark from my own canceller (Mailer's Postmark Permit #67)

My non-traditional maximum card, created with a USPS stamp, a customized "postcard" made from a cut-out from a book, and a postmark from my own canceller (Mailer's Postmark Permit #67).

"The Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a mammal of the raccoon family (thus not actually a cat), native to arid regions of North America. It is also known as the Ringtail cat, Ring-tailed cat or Miner's cat, and is also sometimes mistakenly called a "civet cat" (after similar, though unrelated, cat-like omnivores of Asia and Africa). The Ringtail is sometimes called acacomistle, though this term seems to be more often used to refer to Bassariscus sumichrasti."

"The ankle joint is flexible and able to rotate over 180 degrees, a trait helping make it an agile climber. 

Their considerable tail provides balance for negotiating narrow ledges and limbs, even allowing them to reverse directions by performing a cartwheel. 

Ringtails also can ascend narrow passages by stemming (pressing all feet on one wall and their back against the other or pressing both right feet on one wall and both left feet on the other), and wider cracks or openings by ricocheting between the walls"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringtail_cat

================

Happy PFF (Postcard Friendship Friday)!

Please visit: http://thebestheartsarecrunchy.blogspot.com/ (wait until Beth posts the today's Linky tool for the meme, then make your entry, if you want to join).